Leadership Unlocked: The Operating System Every Executive Leader Needs to Delegate Effectively & Foster Accountability So You Can Stop Managing Alone and Start Leading a Team Again

Dusty goes solo to challenge one of leadership’s most damaging habits—the belief that being “nice” is the same as being effective—and makes the case that niceness is quietly starving teams of the truth they need to perform. Drawing from a powerful real-world example of a brilliant but overly restrained leader, personal leadership failures, and research spanning neuroscience, McKinsey, Gallup, and HBR, he exposes why most leaders aren’t actually giving feedback at all—they’re managing their own discomfort. Dusty unpacks the critical distinction between nice and kind, showing how nice protects the speaker while kind serves the team...

Dusty sits down with Amanda Dunklin—equestrian coach, entrepreneur, and operational strategist—for a conversation that redefines what it means to lead with clarity, empathy, and resilience. After decades spent training horses, coaching competitive riders, building a school from the ground up, and later advising high-growth organizations, Amanda shares the insight that reshaped her entire approach to leadership: systems matter, but people matter more. Together, she and Dusty explore why emotional intelligence is learned, how consistency becomes a superpower, and why leaders must create environments where trust, safety, and communication come before timelines and tactics. Amanda traces her unlikely jour...

Dusty sits down with Sean Keller—a filmmaker-turned-leadership coach who helps high-capacity entrepreneurs realize that their real wilderness isn’t around them, it’s within them. Sean shares his unlikely journey from early creative acclaim and big-name clients to the moment everything collapsed in 2020, forcing him to confront the gap between the successful life he was building and the surrendered life he actually wanted. Together, they unpack why achievement can mask emptiness, how pruning becomes a gift, and why leaders can’t outrun the inner stories that shape their decisions. With depth, candor, and a surprising amount of hope, Sean rev...

Dusty goes solo to dismantle one of leadership’s most pervasive myths—the idea that an overloaded, reactive calendar is simply the price of effectiveness. Drawing on personal lessons, client stories, and striking CEO time-use data, he reveals the deeper truth: when a leader’s schedule is chaotic, the culture follows. In this episode, Dusty introduces his three-level intentional leadership system—anchoring your year with non-negotiables, theming your days to eliminate context switching, and protecting transitions so commitments actually get done—and shows how each layer silently teaches your team what truly matters. Through a vivid case study of a CEO spen...

Dusty is joined by Dr. Brian Hite—stunt performer, performance psychologist, and creator of the FACT Framework—for a conversation that reframes what it really means to thrive under pressure. With three decades spent being lit on fire, thrown from vehicles, training elite military units, and coaching high-stakes performers, Brian shares the pivotal realization that changed everything: pressure doesn’t live in the moment—it lives in the mind. Together, he and Dusty explore why failure is often the most valuable teacher, how our assumptions quietly shape our performance, and why the best leaders learn to separate the situation from the...

Dusty Holcomb sits down with entrepreneur and former engineer Dustin Riechmann, whose story is a masterclass in courage, clarity, and reinvention. From watching his business collapse in 2020 to building a seven-figure enterprise through the power of podcast guesting, Dustin reveals how simplicity, not complexity, drives sustainable success. He shares the pivotal moments that reshaped his identity, the leadership lessons born from adversity, and the mindset shifts that turned setbacks into systems. This is a powerful conversation for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity, scale with purpose, and transform failure into momentum.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Simplifying...

Dusty goes solo to expose one of the most misunderstood frustrations in leadership—the belief that execution problems stem from lazy teams, when in reality they almost always originate upstream with the leader. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and a striking real-world example from his time at AAA, he reveals the hidden truth behind stalled initiatives: when your team isn’t delivering what you envisioned, it’s rarely an execution failure—it’s a clarity or alignment gap. In this episode, Dusty introduces his Exceptional Leadership Framework, a deceptively simple but transformative model showing that clarity plus alignment naturally produce the execut...

Dusty sits down with Nolan Bradbury, a former CPA turned financial strategist who helps leaders realize that their biggest challenge isn’t money, it’s clarity. Nolan opens up about his journey from Big Four accounting to finding purpose in helping entrepreneurs define what freedom truly means. Together, they explore how clarity transforms decision-making, why “more” doesn’t always equal success, and how simplicity, not complexity, creates lasting growth. With honesty, humor, and heart, Nolan shares powerful lessons on leadership, accountability, and the courage to listen to what really matters.

Key Timestamps:

 (00:00) - From CPA...

Dusty Holcomb sits down with Alan McLaren, CEO, entrepreneur, marketer, and self-proclaimed “Chief Squirrel Tamer.” Alan shares his 35-year leadership journey, from selling photocopiers door-to-door to leading global organizations and shaping modern leadership branding. Together, they unpack the real meaning of heart-centered leadership, how authenticity fuels influence, and why kindness and accountability are not opposites but essential partners in high performance. This conversation is a masterclass in leading with integrity, clarity, and impact, both in business and in life.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Lessons From Sales Leadership

(07:00) - Leading Yourself First

(11:00) - Bala...

Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most pivotal turning points in a leader’s journey—the moment you realize that what got you here won’t get you where you’re meant to go next. Through raw personal stories and years of coaching senior leaders, he reveals the hidden signals of an inflection point: when the clarity in your head doesn’t translate into team execution, when every decision funnels back to you, and when you quietly sense you’ve hit the ceiling of your current capabilities. In this episode, Dusty introduces his Leadership Growth Readiness framework, a simple but...

Dusty is joined by Brooke Greening—sales coach, business owner, and “Gracious Terminator”—for a conversation about transforming how we think about leadership, influence, and sales. With a master’s in counseling and two decades of sales experience, Brooke shares the pivotal story of standing up to toxic leadership and learning that confidence, results, and integrity are the foundation of real influence. Together, she and Dusty unpack how great leadership mirrors great sales: both are acts of service built on listening, trust, and clarity. Brooke introduces her SERVICE Framework—Set expectations, Establish rapport, Recognize the problem, Verbalize value, Identify objections...

Dusty is joined by Molly Hunt—CEO of Ty Boyd, Inc. and lifelong student of connection—for a conversation about carrying forward her family’s legacy of helping people communicate with authenticity and heart. The daughter of legendary speaker Ty Boyd, Molly shares how her father’s kindness, humility, and unwavering belief that “it’s not about you” shaped both her leadership and her life. She reflects on growing up in the shadow of a celebrated communicator, finding her own voice through failure and resilience, and transforming nervous energy into purposeful presence. Together, Dusty and Molly explore what it means to lead...

Dusty goes solo to challenge one of leadership’s most common traps—the instinct to swoop in and solve every problem. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and real-world research, he reveals how rescuing team members doesn’t make them stronger—it makes them dependent. In this episode, Dusty introduces his Choice Enablement Model, a practical framework that replaces control with empowerment and transforms teams from compliant followers into confident decision-makers. Through candid stories—including the painful lesson of trying to “save” a high performer who ultimately failed—he shows how great leaders don’t create success for others; they create the conditions whe...

Entrepreneur and digital nomad Leo Gestetner shares his incredible journey from building his first business at age 13 to leading global ventures and redefining what balance, purpose, and adaptability mean in life and business. He opens up about learning to pivot, both professionally and personally, embracing growth, staying fit in body and mind, and finding fulfillment beyond success. Leo’s reflections on resilience, reinvention, and staying present will leave listeners ready to embrace change and chase meaning over perfection.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - First Business Beginnings

(03:00) - Learning To Pivot

(06:00...

Dusty is joined by Terry Dunn—seasoned CEO and global business leader—for a conversation about trading the demands of the boardroom for the deeper purpose of helping leaders lead better. After 35 years building teams in more than 30 countries and steering companies through transformation and turnaround, Terry now dedicates his work to guiding executives toward clarity, composure, and results that last. He reflects on the formative lessons that shaped his calm, grounded approach to leadership—including learning to master anger as a teenager—and how that discipline evolved into his hallmark of leading with steadiness under pressure. Terry and Dusty un...

Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most frustrating questions in leadership—why don’t people just do what they’re supposed to do? After nearly three decades leading teams, he’s learned it’s almost never an execution problem—it’s a clarity problem. In this episode, Dusty shares his Rules of Engagement framework, a simple but powerful tool that transforms miscommunication into alignment and builds the trust every great team depends on. Through a candid story about being called out by a team member during a one-on-one meeting, he illustrates how clarity creates safety, accountability, and respect. From...

Dusty is joined by Dr. Lani Jones—clinical psychologist, executive advisor, and entrepreneur—for a conversation about walking away from the security of a children’s hospital career to build a life and business on her own terms. Lani shares how burnout in the healthcare system forced her to confront the difference between loving her work and losing herself in the noise of climbing ladders and checking boxes. That turning point led her into private practice, then into coaching high-performing leaders through the same struggles of identity, balance, and purpose. She reflects on the myth of work-life balance, the power...

Dusty is joined by Jason VanDevere—entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Goal Crazy Planner—for a conversation about trading the security of a fourth-generation family car dealership for the uncertainty of chasing a dream. Jason shares how his search for a tool to align daily habits with big-picture goals sparked the idea for his planner, eventually growing into a bestselling product, coaching programs, and his new book Dream Driven. He reflects on lessons learned from his father’s leadership, the discipline of time-blocking and boundaries, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors who sharpen your perspective. Along the wa...

Dusty takes us deep into the defining “keystone moments” that shape who we are as leaders. From overcoming setbacks and defying expectations to standing firm in the face of doubt, he reveals how challenges become the very building blocks of strength, resilience, and clarity. With powerful personal stories and timeless lessons, this episode shows that leadership isn’t about being born with talent—it’s about learning, reflecting, and choosing to grow.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Power of Keystone Moments

(03:00) - Homeschooling Lessons

(09:00) - Reflection and Growth Tools

(10:00) - Lessons on Confron...

Dusty is joined by Bill Foran—the NBA’s longest-tenured strength and conditioning coach—for a conversation about the lessons behind four decades of building champions with the Miami Heat. Bill shares his unlikely path from small-town PE teacher to coaching legends like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, revealing how a love for developing athletes—not just drawing up plays—became his driving force. He reflects on the influence of mentors, the transformative leadership of Pat Riley, and the origins of the Heat’s famed “culture” rooted in accountability, fundamentals, and relentless effort. Along the way, Bill and Dusty unpack why recov...

Get the 5 Keystone Questions for free: https://5keystones.com/

Dusty goes solo to reveal the five keystone questions that separate transactional, clock-in teams from purpose-driven missionaries who bring their best every day. Through personal stories—including his early leadership challenges in the auto repair industry—he shows how answering these questions unlocks meaning, connection, and lasting engagement: Why are we here, where are we going, how will we get there, where do I fit in, and what’s in it for me? Far more than a framework, Dusty frames these as the cornerstone of culture, empowering teams to mak...

Dusty is joined by Tony DiLorenzo—entrepreneur, podcaster, and co-creator of the One Extraordinary Marriage Show—for a conversation about how building stronger marriages makes us better leaders. Tony shares his unexpected journey from aspiring pro cyclist to marriage coach, opening up about the struggles he and his wife Elisa faced in their own relationship and how those challenges led them to create the Six Pillars of Intimacy framework that has transformed thousands of marriages. He reflects on the power of intentionality and action—two principles that apply as much in the boardroom as they do at home—and why lead...

Dusty goes solo to reveal a leadership superpower most of us learned at age four—connecting the dots. Through the story of his first leadership position, he shows how clarity of vision transforms everyday tasks from transactional work into meaningful contribution. Leaders who fail to connect the dots breed silos, waste, and disengagement, while those who do unlock energy, ownership, and purpose at every level. With a simple three-part framework—collect the right information, cast the vision clearly and consistently, and connect each person’s role to the bigger picture—Dusty makes the case that true leadership isn’t abdication...

Dusty is joined by Amanda Byrd, sales executive turned chaplain, coach, and founder, for a conversation about how compassion and courage can reshape not only our careers but our lives. Dusty traces Amanda’s journey from a pivotal act of kindness outside an emergency room to years spent serving in hospitals and hospice care, where she learned the transformative power of presence, listening, and meeting people exactly where they are. Amanda shares how chaplaincy made her a stronger leader—teaching her to hold space for fear, regret, and vulnerability—and why journaling and reflection are essential practices for growth. She op...

Dusty goes solo to unpack a counterintuitive truth every leader needs to hear—sometimes the fastest way forward is to slow down. Drawing from early lessons on the shooting range, hard-won insights in Ironman training, and years of leadership experience, he reveals how rushing only traps us in reactivity, while rhythm and precision unlock lasting impact. With practical tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and habits such as creating intentional white space, installing circuit breakers, and modeling thoughtful pace for others, Dusty shows how leaders can shift from grinding harder to investing time where it matters most. This episode is a...

Dusty is joined by Jon Blair—heavy metal guitarist turned purpose-driven entrepreneur and founding executive at Guardian Bikes—for a conversation on how clarity beats chaos in both business and life. Jon shares his unconventional journey from touring musician to scaling a startup from zero to eight figures, raising $15 million, and ultimately launching Free to Grow CFO to help D2C brands build smart, scalable finance operations. They unpack the lessons of navigating multiple “startups” at once—including business, family, and personal growth—while embracing imperfection, focusing on the few things that truly move the needle, and leading with intentionali...

Dusty goes solo to tackle one of the biggest myths in leadership—that the best moments happen in the heat of a crisis. Through a vivid story from Disney World, where a cast member turned a spilled bag of popcorn into a lifelong memory, he reveals how true impact is rarely accidental. It’s built long before the moment arrives, through intentional choices, clear priorities, and simple systems that make great decisions automatic. Dusty shares how carving out weekly white space for reflection and planning—reviewing wins, identifying distractions, and setting key outcomes—can transform reactive chaos into purposeful progress...

Dusty is joined by Ross Simmonds, entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of Foundation Marketing, for a conversation about what it means to lead with intention, abundance, and authenticity. They explore how generosity—both in business and in life—can be a powerful lever for growth, and why showing up with presence matters more than ever in a world full of noise. Ross shares lessons from his journey building a global marketing agency, from unlearning small-town limits to creating space for deep work and deep relationships. He breaks down how clarity, consistency, and communication shape culture, and how seemingly small moments—voice...

Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most common traps leaders fall into—confusing what they’re good at with what they’re called to. He reflects on the hard shift from doing the work to directing the work, and the uncomfortable but necessary discipline of stepping away from tasks that once defined his value. From triathlon training to lessons learned at leadership retreats, Dusty shares how reclaiming focus, guarding energy, and building simple systems can help leaders stop diluting their impact and start maximizing it. He explores the difference between activity and effectiveness, and why delegation isn’t selfis...

Dusty is joined by Eddie Geller, a three-time founder, CEO of SKOR, and lifelong champion of people-first leadership. Their conversations centers around how culture can be a company’s greatest asset—when it’s clearly defined, consistently measured, and courageously lived. Eddie shares hard-won lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including what happens when you over-index on product at the expense of people, and why managers—not just executives—hold the keys to shaping day-to-day culture. He breaks down the three pillars of a thriving workplace—cohesion, clarity, and courage—and explains how even small shifts in language and leadership hab...

Dusty goes solo to share how one quote kickstarted a daily rhythm that’s shaped his leadership for nearly 30 years. It all began on the third shift at a call center—one quote, one email, one moment of reflection. That small practice grew into a lifelong discipline of reading, thinking, and writing, and became a way to stay grounded, sharpen perspective, and serve others. He unpacks why influence—not title—is the true measure of leadership, and reflects on the wisdom of John Maxwell, Martin Luther King Jr., C.S. Lewis, and others who’ve guided his path. This episode is...

Dusty is joined by Raquel Braganza, a transformational coach and joy strategist, for a powerful conversation on reclaiming joy as a daily, deliberate practice—especially for leaders and caregivers who often pour from an empty cup. Raquel shares moving stories from her clients, including a mother who found light in a dark season by throwing a “cat party” with her children, and executives who rediscovered joy through simple rituals like music-filled showers and warm towels. She explains how choosing joy isn’t about perfection or privilege—it’s about presence, agency, and designing a life that reflects your values. From redefin...

Dusty breaks down one of the most overlooked traps in leadership: the urge to rescue. Drawing from real-world coaching conversations and timeless wisdom from Viktor Frankl, Dusty unpacks what happens when leaders carry the emotional weight of their team's problems—and why it backfires. You’ll learn how to use powerful questions to redirect responsibility, reinforce agency, and build a culture of accountability. This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical leadership judo move you can start using today to empower your team and protect your energy.

Key Takeaways:

• Why solving every proble...

Dusty sits down with Chuck Hall, the chairman of Vitality Living and founder of Charles Hall Construction, to explore his incredible journey—from his childhood hustle of working on the docks with his dad in Rhode Island to building a company that now employs over 2,300 people across 11 states. He opens up about being fired, starting over at 32, and the lessons he learned about vision, mentorship, and living a Life by Design. Highlights include his philosophy on mentorship, facing pivotal challenges, and creating meaningful change in the lives of aging adults. Hall also talks about his passion for ensuring dignity an...

What if your greatest leadership superpower wasn’t your voice—but your questions? In this episode of Leadership Unlocked, Dusty unpacks the single best advice he ever received: be interested, not interesting. From a homeschool upbringing that sparked lifelong curiosity to a game-changing moment inspired by Jim Collins and Peter Drucker, Dusty shares how learning to ask the right questions transformed his leadership. He explains why curiosity builds trust, why humility fuels influence, and how flipping your "questions-to-statements" ratio can unlock untapped growth in your team. If you’ve ever felt pressure to perform or prove yourself in leadership, this e...

Dusty welcomes Bridgett McMahan, President of BESCO, for a powerful conversation about leadership, confidence, and community. Bridgett shares the transformative impact of the book Gravitas and how it empowered her as a new leader in a male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of assembling a trusted "Gold Team" to lead collaboratively, her leadership superpower of listening, and the loneliness that can come with executive roles. Bridgett also advocates for CASA, an organization giving vulnerable children a voice in the judicial system, and reminds us that sometimes the best thing a leader can do is simply say “yes” and try.

Dusty Holcomb breaks down three of the most common leadership blind spots he sees every week in coaching sessions with high-performing teams, seasoned executives, and fast-scaling founders. With clarity and conviction, he unpacks how these often-unseen patterns quietly derail execution, dilute energy, and create frustration. Drawing from real-world experience, Dusty explores the cost of vague expectations, the gap between agreement and true commitment, and the consequences of a weak accountability culture. Through practical examples and sharp insight, he shares a framework for leading with intention—clarifying the "what by when," confirming alignment, and following through with consistency. This episode is...

Today on Leadership Unlocked, Gene Boehm, President and CEO of AAA, joins Dusty and shares the experiences, values, and lessons that shape his leadership philosophy, emphasizing clarity, empowerment, and authenticity. From childhood stories and career setbacks to learning resilience during the Enron scandal and embracing feedback, Boehm highlights the transformative power of self-awareness, mentorship, and organizational culture. He champions vision over micromanagement, exemplified by initiatives like the “I Love My Job” campaign, which fostered pride and engagement across AAA. Passionate about safety and reducing roadside fatalities, he calls for greater advocacy and coalition-building. Boehm underscores the importance of emotional conn...

In this episode of Leadership Unlocked, we explore the powerful concept of the “BS flag” — a simple, symbolic tool used to build a culture of candor, clarity, and accountability on leadership teams. Drawing inspiration from football, where a penalty flag stops play and signals a rule violation, the BS flag empowers team members to safely and respectfully call out issues in real time, including those caused by the leader. Dusty shares how this tool transformed his own leadership meetings, eliminated the "HiPPO problem" (highest paid person's opinion), and created a space where truth could be spoken without fear. He breaks...

Dusty and Jeremy sit down with retired Vice Admiral Mike LeFever to explore the defining moments and lessons from his distinguished career in the US Navy. Vice Admiral LeFever shares his journey, from his time at the Naval Academy to leading complex operations and joint task forces in high-stakes environments. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, expecting the unexpected, and the necessity of evolving and reflecting as a leader. Practical insights on commander's intent, handling crises, and the role of humility in leadership are highlighted, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their leadership skills.<...

Dusty reflects on his leadership journey which began in 1998 as a third shift supervisor in a call center. At the young age of 22, he initially focused on personal career growth but had a pivotal moment when his mentor, Colonel Greg Camp, introduced him to the principles of servant leadership. Through book clubs and personal mentorship, Greg taught Dusty that true leadership is about serving and empowering others. This episode dives deep into the transformative power of servant leadership, the importance of continual learning, and how one mentor's belief and guidance can fundamentally shape and change a leader's approach and...

Dusty Holcomb speaks with Claudia Caballero, CEO of Centro Hispano, about her powerful journey from Honduras to leading a thriving nonprofit in Knoxville. Claudia shares how she grew from second-guessing her instincts as a young Latina immigrant to confidently integrating intuition, data, and self-awareness in her leadership. Drawing from her upbringing, education, and entrepreneurial experiences, she emphasizes authenticity, resilience, and the importance of investing in people, even without guarantees. With candor, she reflects on personal challenges like ADHD and codependency, the transformative power of mentorship and community, and the leadership lessons shaped by therapy, books, and lived experience. Claudia’s...

What does it truly mean to unlock leadership?

At Leadership Unlocked, we believe leadership isn't defined by titles—it's forged through stories, influence, and the unwavering commitment to serve others. Each week, we delve into candid conversations with real people who've navigated the crucibles of leadership, emerging with scars, wisdom, and a desire to uplift those around them.

This isn't about generic leadership clichés. It's about purpose-driven, value-centric individuals who lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience. We explore the defining moments that have shaped their paths, offering you, our...